Tiago Splitter

Tiago Splitter averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 22 minutes per game through 59 games last season. He shot 52 percent from the field on 5.9 attempts per game and 70 percent from the line on 2.9 attempts per game. He missed signific...

After working primarily as a reserve for the first two years of his career and the first third of the 2012-13 campaign, Splitter finally graduated to San Antonio's starting five last season. In his 58 starts, Splitter averaged 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds while posting solid percentages (54 FG, 73 FT) in 27 minutes per game. Splitter doesn't possess superstar-level talent, but he's a physical presence in the paint with solid touch near the rim. His career per-36 minute averages (15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks) hint at a higher ceiling than we saw last season. Tim Duncan is still around, of course, but San Antonio didn't bring in any additional frontcourt help of note this summer, instead opting to give Splitter a pricey long-term deal. Given the Spurs long-term commitment, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Splitter's role continue to expand this season, which should lead to an increase in production for fantasy owners to take advantage of.

2012-13

A tough, physical defender, rebounder and shot-blocker, Splitter might have a more important role in the Spurs' rotation if he wasn't such a dismal foul shooter. His free-throw percentage hovers in the 50-60 percent range, which leaves the Spurs vulnerable to "hack a Splitter" strategies in close games.

2011-12

Although he only averaged about 12 minutes a game, Splitter showed signs of promise last season. He finished the season averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. Splitter should see a jump in minutes with the release of Antonio McDyess, which should help boost his fantasy value.

2010-11

The San Antonio Spurs have raised the use of low draft picks to an art form, and Splitter is the latest example. Selected 28th overall by the Spurs back in 2007, the Brazilian forward/center has spent the last three years playing in Europe and adding awards to his trophy case; he's the reigning MVP of the Spanish league and has won several international competitions with Team Brazil. Unlike Andrea Bargnani, Danilo Gallinari and other big men with backgrounds in the Euroleagues, Splitter is a much more traditional, stay-at-home big, able to bang in the paint and fight for rebounds. He projects as an above-average team defender and rebounder, but isn't regarded as much of a shot-blocker. On offense, he'll run the floor well and finish with either hand or hit a mid-range jumper – and as anyone who saw Team Brazil's play at this summer's FIBA World Championships would attest, he's adept at running the pick-and-roll. It appears Splitter will start in the frontcourt for Gregg Popovic, as the team's nominal center, with Tim Duncan sliding to the four spot, but both Splitter and Duncan should see more than enough minutes at four and five to qualify as both.

2007-08

Splitter is expected to stay in Europe and not be on the Spurs roster this year.

2003-04

Splitter is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He does have a nice handle and a good, but not great, jumper. He's very long and runs the floor well. He's a good, but not great, athlete. His defense is way ahead of his offense at this point. Splitter will need to find a position to play on the court to have much value in the NBA. He's a late first round pick.